Looking for a quick side dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make? This Garlic Turmeric Rice is your answer! It’s a fluffy, golden yellow rice infused with garlic, onion, butter, and a touch of warm spice—all made in one pot in under 20 minutes.
What Is Turmeric Rice?
Turmeric rice is a beautifully golden rice dish found in many Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines. Its bright color comes from spices like turmeric, annatto, or saffron, and its flavor is deeply fragrant and comforting.
In this recipe, we’re using turmeric for its warm, earthy flavor and beautiful hue. Combined with sautéed garlic, onion, and butter, every bite is rich with aromatic goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup!
- ⏱️ Ready in 20 Minutes – Perfect for busy nights.
- 🧄 Big on Flavor – Sautéed garlic and onion create an amazing base.
- 🍚 Versatile – Serve it with kebabs, veggies, tofu, or grilled meats.
- 💛 Naturally Vibrant – No artificial coloring here—just turmeric!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 cups basmati rice (or any long-grain rice), rinsed and drained
- 3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Garlic Turmeric Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Spices & Rice
Stir in the turmeric. Add the rinsed rice and mix well to coat each grain with the buttery spice mixture. Let it toast for a minute or two.
Step 3: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the stock, add salt and pepper, and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 5–10 minutes. This step allows the rice to finish steaming and become extra fluffy.
Step 5: Fluff & Serve
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite main dish!
Tips for Perfect Turmeric Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Sauté the aromatics first to build rich flavor before adding the rice.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow steam to finish the job and fluff up the grains.
- Use a flavorful stock instead of water for maximum depth.
What to Serve with Turmeric Rice
This rice goes with just about anything! Some great pairings include:
- Chicken kebabs
- Grilled shrimp or salmon
- Roasted vegetables
- Tofu or paneer stir-fries
- Curry or stewed lentils
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pot with a splash of water, or microwave until steaming. Avoid reheating more than once for best results.
Final Thoughts
This garlic turmeric rice is one of those easy, comforting recipes that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or dinner parties. It’s simple yet fragrant, colorful yet approachable. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, veggies, or curries, this rice is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.